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Lesser Antillean Swift

Chaetura martinica

Least Concern
Envergure
21,6 cm
Poids
12,6 g
Famille
Apodidae
Ordre
Caprimulgiformes
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À propos

A small swift (11 cm) endemic to the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean. Dark plumage with a grey rump. Spine-tipped tail. Aerial insectivore, foraging over forested mountains and volcanic peaks. Found on Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and St. Lucia.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Envergure 21,6 cm 8.5 in
Poids 12,6 g 0.44 oz

Identification

Plumage

Small; dark sooty-brown overall; pale grey-brown rump slightly paler than back; underparts grey-brown; short spiny tail; Lesser Antilles endemic; very similar to Chapman's Swift but smaller and island-restricted with subtly paler rump.

Habitat & Range

Répartition géographique

Found in the Lesser Antilles from Guadeloupe and Dominica south to St. Vincent and Grenada. Resident in forest and open areas.

Diet & Feeding

Aerial insectivore taking small flying insects and spiders; may forage at great heights following thermal columns.

Statut de conservation

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Comportement et reproduction

Nidification

Nest type: HC.

Taille de la couvée

3

Son

Chant

Sharp, high-pitched squeaking in rapid succession; excited twittering with melodic inflection rising near breeding colony.

Taxonomie

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Ordre Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts)
Famille Apodidae (Swifts)
Genus Chaetura
Espèces Chaetura martinica

Distribution

Lesser Antillean Swift has been recorded in 1 countries.

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Présent Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Foire aux questions

What does the Lesser Antillean Swift eat?
Aerial insectivore taking small flying insects and spiders; may forage at great heights following thermal columns.
Where does the Lesser Antillean Swift live?
Found in the Lesser Antilles from Guadeloupe and Dominica south to St. Vincent and Grenada. Resident in forest and open areas.
Is the Lesser Antillean Swift endangered?
The Lesser Antillean Swift has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the Lesser Antillean Swift nest?
Nest type: HC.
What does the Lesser Antillean Swift sound like?
Sharp, high-pitched squeaking in rapid succession; excited twittering with melodic inflection rising near breeding colony.
How big is the Lesser Antillean Swift?
The Lesser Antillean Swift has a wingspan of 21.6 cm, weight of 12.6 g.
What order and family does the Lesser Antillean Swift belong to?
The Lesser Antillean Swift (Chaetura martinica) belongs to the order Caprimulgiformes and the family Apodidae.

Similar Birds

Other species in the Apodidae family

Comparer

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